Race Sterchi

Tell me a little about your background?

I graduated with a degree in Sports Medicine. Out of college, I ended up getting into outside sales with a construction labor support company. I later went back to college for Finance and Accounting so I could get my MBA. I was accepted to the MBA program, but declined as I decided to go into recruiting and get back on a sales track. After I was let go, I knew I wanted Medical Device Sales and came to the college.

Why were you interested in Medical Sales? What drew you to this industry?

I have been interested since high school. I wanted to be in the OR and making a difference in some way with patients and the impact of successful procedures. I want to walk surgeons through the steps to treat their patients better.

How long did you try to get into the industry? What was that experience like?

3 years. I had no luck with recruiters or companies calling me back until I attended MSC.

How did you learn about Medical Sales College?

I was referred to the Medical Sales College from a former graduate of the program.

Did you have any fears about attending the School? What were they?

No.

What ultimately made you decide to attend the College?

After talking with my friend, I knew this is the route I wanted.

Describe your experience once you began training with Medical Sales College.

I started engaging in better habits of how to land a job in medical sales and started digging in deep to find thick skin so I could talk with recruiters that wouldn’t give me the time of day. I learned to keep pushing, and I became more confident in myself and when I am talking to others.

Explain what your interview process was like.

I was interviewed with Smith & Nephew in Knoxville, TN. I then interviewed with Arthrex in Richmond, VA and this process was moving quicker. I met the hiring manager at a career fair, then had two in-house interviews after that.

What from your training did you specifically use during the interview process that ultimately helped you land your position?

I had an outstanding business plan, I was confident and I knew what to say and what not to say. I told them about my experiences and was tested by the hiring manager and succeeded.

What will you do in your new job?

I am currently learning the business. I am helping with inventory, and shadowing other reps in surgery. I take notes during surgery and send my notes I took in surgery to my trainer. She helps me to identify correct terminology, instruments, and techniques that the doctor is using that I had described. From there, I go and identify what she is trying to explain to me. Also, I am completing both Arthrex corporate training and my own distributor training

What was the most valuable thing you learned at Medical Sales College/What piece of
training do you use the most in your day-to-day activities?

Self-study. Every night, I go home and try to piece together a new technique, or a new instrument/device. I try to learn new anatomy and different procedures. The most valuable thing I learned is to always do more than your competition and to always be prepared with what to say.

Why should someone attend the Medical Sales College if they want this career?

It is a great environment to learn in. The instructors have a ton of knowledge and are fun to interact with. If you really have a passion for this field, it will show when you attend because every night you are studying or doing some sort of activity. This is truly how it is when you get into the field. Studying, training, dinners etc…

What do you know now that you wish you had known before entering the industry/attending Medical Sales College?

Arthrex is huge on shoulders, 60% of our business relates to the shoulder. I was given the skills to know how to go about finding out more about shoulder repair! This career is all about self-teaching and observing.